Biology continues to make a tremendous contribution to our society, revolutionising medicine and agriculture. We study organisms on many levels from molecular to ecosystems, using a variety of mathematical and problem-solving skills. The biology curriculum provides opportunities for students to apply knowledge in theoretical and practical contexts; and analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific ideas, procedures and evidence. We also consider the moral and social issues raised by new biological technologies. Advanced Level Biology is studied over two years and is composed of eight topics. In the Lower 6th, the topics studied are: ‘Biological molecules’; ‘Cells’; ‘Organisms exchange substances with their environment’; and ‘Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms’. In the Upper 6th, the topics studied are: ‘Energy transfers in and between organisms’; ‘Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments’; ‘Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems’; and ‘The control of gene expression’. Practical work is a vital part of Biology and you will develop your skills throughout the course, using a variety of apparatus and techniques. A separate endorsement of practical skills is taken alongside the A level. This is assessed by observation as you complete the required practicals and other activities. There is also a Field Trip in the Summer Term of the Lower 6th and all students are expected to attend. We study the abundance and distribution of freshwater organisms in a stream; the regeneration of moorland following burning; the distribution of organisms across a rocky shore and succession patterns across a major dune system. There are three examination papers and you will take these at the end of your Upper 6th. There is a mixture of short and long answer questions in each paper. Paper 3 includes a greater emphasis on data analysis and an essay. At least 10% of the marks in the assessments will require the use of mathematical skills and at least 15% will assess knowledge, skills and understanding about practical skills.
In the case of entry into the Sixth Form, conditional offers are made based on a reference from the pupil’s current school and the achievement of appropriate grades at GCSE or equivalent.
About Education Provider
| Region | Yorkshire and the Humber |
| Local Authority | Wakefield |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | £36,447 |
| Sixth Form Fee | £11,394 - £17,844 |
| Address | Pontefract Road, Ackworth, West Yorkshire, WF7 7LT |
Biology continues to make a tremendous contribution to our society, revolutionising medicine and agriculture. We study organisms on many levels from molecular to ecosystems, using a variety of mathematical and problem-solving skills. The biology curriculum provides opportunities for students to apply knowledge in theoretical and practical contexts; and analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific ideas, procedures and evidence. We also consider the moral and social issues raised by new biological technologies. Advanced Level Biology is studied over two years and is composed of eight topics. In the Lower 6th, the topics studied are: ‘Biological molecules’; ‘Cells’; ‘Organisms exchange substances with their environment’; and ‘Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms’. In the Upper 6th, the topics studied are: ‘Energy transfers in and between organisms’; ‘Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments’; ‘Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems’; and ‘The control of gene expression’. Practical work is a vital part of Biology and you will develop your skills throughout the course, using a variety of apparatus and techniques. A separate endorsement of practical skills is taken alongside the A level. This is assessed by observation as you complete the required practicals and other activities. There is also a Field Trip in the Summer Term of the Lower 6th and all students are expected to attend. We study the abundance and distribution of freshwater organisms in a stream; the regeneration of moorland following burning; the distribution of organisms across a rocky shore and succession patterns across a major dune system. There are three examination papers and you will take these at the end of your Upper 6th. There is a mixture of short and long answer questions in each paper. Paper 3 includes a greater emphasis on data analysis and an essay. At least 10% of the marks in the assessments will require the use of mathematical skills and at least 15% will assess knowledge, skills and understanding about practical skills.
In the case of entry into the Sixth Form, conditional offers are made based on a reference from the pupil’s current school and the achievement of appropriate grades at GCSE or equivalent.